Gibson: Longer payroll tax deal needs swift action

Here’s the statement from Rep. Chris Gibson on the two-month payroll tax extension, which House GOP leaders have agreed to after a week-long standoff:

“As the President and leaders of both parties in the House and Senate have previously stated, we need an agreement to extend the payroll tax for at least a year. In the House, I voted for a comprehensive bill that did just that and reformed and extended unemployment insurance while fixing the reimbursement rate for Medicare providers. Importantly, we did that in a way that advances pro-growth policies and fully pays for the entire package.

“I was disappointed that the Senate chose a 60 day measure instead, but I believe it is the right course of action to enact this stopgap measure to ensure hardworking American families do not see a tax increase on January 1. Furthermore, I am pleased that the Senate has decided to appoint conferees to reach an agreement that achieves the yearlong goal which everyone desires. The work on that legislation should begin immediately, and I am hopeful we can come to the longer-term agreement swiftly.”